Another visit to the sea cliffs. When I arrived, I heard some good news. Originally I had observed three chicks, but later I had only seen two in the air. So had other bird photographers that had been there. I had assumed that one of the chicks may have died. Perhaps it had crashed into the cliffs or flown offend got lost? Now, another birder, had some news. The first chick to fledge had apparently crashed in a window of a nearby dwelling and been found on a balcony. It was then taken to Taronga Wildlife Hospital and looked after for a week, and then it had been released the day before this visit.
This visit turned out to be very interesting.
Early on, a group of Pelicans flew past –
Then one of the juvenile Peregrine Falcons flew past.
Then, another bird photographer, Celine, spotted an unusual bird flying very high above. I snapped a few photos. It turned out to be a rather rare visitor – a Greater Frigatebird.
Then, one of the juvenile Peregrine Falcons landed in the palm frond.
And then took off.
Then a mock fight.
Some fast flying.
Back to that palm frond.
This time it fell off.
Only the regular two chicks seemed to be flying, even though the third chick had been returned.
Then the two adults appeared. The male had arrived with prey. The female flew up.
A mid air food exchange then took place. These are very fast, and amazing to witness and photograph. It’s one of the things Peregrine Falcons do.
The female flew off with food for the chicks.
The two chicks flew after her.
The male flew past. His job done.
I think the food may have been given to only one of the chicks, and the other was not happy.
The mother was not happy either. It started diving at the cliffs. There had been some other bird photographers at that location. Perhaps they were too close to where the chick was being fed? If an adult Peregrine Falcon swoops at you more than once, then it is time to move well away from that area.
Later, some more mock fights.
One landed on a nearby Yagi antenna.
It was at this point, that we worked out that there had been three chicks flying – although not close together.
The mother did some very fast flying. Perhaps as a demonstration to her young?
More visits to these cliffs will be required.